NIU offensive tackle Doug Free is part of a line that has produced two of this season’s five top rushers in the MAC.

Free gained recognition after his freshman year and anchors the offensive line that has been a strong point for the Huskies football team all season.

Northern Star: What was it like being named to “The Sporting News” All-American team as a freshman?

Doug Free: I was quite surprised, actually. I wasn’t expecting it at all. Coach called me and told me and it was pretty cool.

NS: You’re a pretty big guy. Where do you get your athleticism from?

DF: I got it from my parents and a lot of hard work. I didn’t just want to be some big dude; I wanted to be athletic, too.

NS: Who is NIU’s best running back?

DF: I think it’s the combination of A.J. [Harris] and Garrett [Wolfe]. A.J. can run through the holes and has power, and Garrett can juke people. They are both number one in my mind.

NS: Which one is easier to block for?

DF: It doesn’t matter who is running. You got to block who you got to block, no matter who is behind you.

NS: What do you think is the biggest game left on the schedule?

DF: Toledo. They are our biggest rivalry, but every game is pretty important. It doesn’t matter who you lose to – you got to win them all.

NS: Will the Huskies make it to a bowl game this season?

DF: I think it’s a pretty good possibility. Our team is playing well as a whole right now, and we are all moving in one direction so we have a pretty good chance.

NS: What is your favorite sport other than football?

DF: Fishing, even though it’s not athletic.

NS: Do you have time to fish during the season?

DF: No, I have to wait for the summer when I go back to Wisconsin.

NS: What do you plan on doing this off season?

DF: Start preparing for next year. I prepare all year round, just trying to get bigger and work on the little fundamentals and all the mental things.